Forest starwort facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Forest starwort |
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| Forest starwort at Black Bulga State Conservation Area, Australia | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Stellaria
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| Species: |
flaccida
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The forest starwort, known scientifically as Stellaria flaccida, is a small and delicate wildflower. It grows in eastern and southern Australia. This plant usually stays close to the ground, often reaching about 50 cm tall, but it's usually seen much shorter.
Contents
What is Forest Starwort?
Forest starwort can be either a perennial (meaning it lives for more than two years) or an annual (living for just one year). It has weak stems that sometimes grow roots from their joints, helping the plant spread. You might notice soft white hairs on its new shoots.
Its Flowers
The flowers of the forest starwort are white with a hint of purple. Each flower has five petals, but they look like ten because each petal is split right down the middle! These pretty flowers usually bloom from September to February.
Where Does it Live?
Forest starwort loves moist, shady spots. You can find it growing along the coast and in mountain ranges, often in forests or on the edges of rainforests. It prefers places where it's not too sunny and the ground stays a bit damp.
Leaves and Fruit
The leaves of this plant are shaped like a spearhead (this is called lanceolate) or an oval. They are usually about 7 to 18 mm long and 2 to 8 mm wide. After the flowers, the plant produces a small, egg-shaped fruit. This fruit is a capsule that holds a few tiny seeds.
What's in a Name?
The scientific name of the forest starwort tells us a bit about the plant. The first part, Stellaria, comes from a Latin word meaning "star." This refers to the star-like shape of its white flowers. The second part, flaccida, means "weak" or "flabby." This describes the plant's small size and its soft, weak stems.
